Left wins at takeoff for the London cityscape, but right wins at landing for the spectacular Tampa Bay and Sunshine Skyway approach. Over the Atlantic the views are largely symmetric, but the Tampa arrival on the right is the more visually rewarding and sustained experience of the two highlights.
Flown LHR to TPA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Tampa is 4,402 miles (7,085 km), a flight of about 9 hours 30 minutes.
The route tracks a great circle arc heading northwest over Ireland, then across the North Atlantic passing south of Greenland and Iceland. Mid-flight crosses the Canadian Maritime provinces — Nova Scotia and Newfoundland coastlines may be visible in clear conditions. The route then descends over the eastern United States, passing over the Carolinas and Georgia before reaching Florida. The Gulf Stream is sometimes visible as a color contrast in the ocean surface at lower altitudes near the US East Coast.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
LEFTHeathrow departures on the eastbound runways (09L/09R) climb out heading east, then typically turn south or north depending on SID. Left side gives you the Thames corridor, central London, and the City skyline as the aircraft banks. Right side faces west toward the M25 and suburban sprawl.
Landing at TPA
RIGHTTampa International sits on the west side of Tampa Bay, and aircraft typically approach from the east or northeast on runway 19R/19L heading south. The right side gives you Tampa Bay, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, and the St. Petersburg peninsula laid out clearly. Left side faces inland toward suburban Tampa.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Tampa International (TPA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Tampa. Left wins at takeoff for the London cityscape, but right wins at landing for the spectacular Tampa Bay and Sunshine Skyway approach. Over the Atlantic the views are largely symmetric, but the Tampa arrival on the right is the more visually rewarding and sustained experience of the two highlights.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Heathrow departures on the eastbound runways (09L/09R) climb out heading east, then typically turn south or north depending on SID. Left side gives you the Thames corridor, central London, and the City skyline as the aircraft banks. Right side faces west toward the M25 and suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Thames River snaking through central London, The Shard and City of London cluster, Windsor Castle and Great Park to the southwest during initial climb, Wembley Stadium arch.
What can I see when landing at Tampa International in Tampa?
When landing at Tampa International (TPA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Tampa International sits on the west side of Tampa Bay, and aircraft typically approach from the east or northeast on runway 19R/19L heading south. The right side gives you Tampa Bay, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, and the St. Petersburg peninsula laid out clearly. Left side faces inland toward suburban Tampa. Notable sights include: Tampa Bay and its broad open water, Sunshine Skyway Bridge spanning the bay mouth, St. Petersburg peninsula and downtown, Clearwater and barrier island beaches to the northwest.
How long is the flight from London to Tampa?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Tampa International (TPA) takes about 9 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,402 miles (7,085 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Tampa flight path pass over?
The route tracks a great circle arc heading northwest over Ireland, then across the North Atlantic passing south of Greenland and Iceland. Mid-flight crosses the Canadian Maritime provinces — Nova Scotia and Newfoundland coastlines may be visible in clear conditions. The route then descends over the eastern United States, passing over the Carolinas and Georgia before reaching Florida. The Gulf Stream is sometimes visible as a color contrast in the ocean surface at lower altitudes near the US East Coast.